Just because your home doesn’t have any major issues such as a leaky basement or a floor that is about to cave in doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot of little ways you are losing cash each month.  Below are a few small tips to help you save money at home that may eventually add up big.

1.  If you have yet to change your lights over to energy efficient ones you should do that right away.   This is an easy way to save a little bit each month that doesn’t take long at all to accomplish.  LED lights are going to cost you a bit more than regular light bulbs but in the long run they will be a big help to your budget.
2. Big ticket items such as air conditioning systems can cost you and your family a lot each year if you don’t do your part to make sure they work to the best of their ability.  Make sure to change your air filters on a regular basis and clean all the vents as well.  This type of maintenance should be done before the heat of the summer begins so that all will work correctly when it is needed most.
3. Another small way to save money at home  is to make sure you eat what you put in your refrigerator.  Wasting food is a big money pit that affects many Americans today.   If you buy a lot of produce and other perishables you need to be sure to put them at eye level so that they don’t get lost in your fridge only to have to be thrown out later.  If you have a small family you might want to purchase smaller amounts of foods that don’t have a long shelf live to avoid wasting each week.
4. If you haven’t already done so, get rid of your landline phone.  Most everyone these days has a cell phone and the need for a landline phone has almost become obsolete.  Save that $40 per month and put it towards something of better use.  You may be surprised at just how quickly $40 each month can add up.
5. Before you decide to bring a furry family member into your home, realize that they are quite expensive.   If you are trying your best to save money perhaps buying a pet might need to go on the back burner for a while.

These are just a few ways in which your pocketbook can get a bit of rest  on a regular basis.  Use the ideas you like and see what a difference they can make.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

State of the Market

• Overall sales fell 5.8% from March to April. There were 2,766 sales in April, down from 2,936 sales in March.
• Overall sales in April 2023 were 27.2% lower than April 2022 when there were 3,800 sales.
• Inventory rose 1.9% – from 5,052 homes in March to 5,148 homes in April.
• Inventory in April 2023 (5,148) was 92.8% higher compared to April 2022, when it was recorded at only 2,670 homes.
• The median home price for April was recorded at $370,000, up from $365,000 in March. Median home prices have increased every month this year.
• Median home price in April 2023 was the same as recorded in April 2022 at $370,000.
• April’s interest rate was recorded at 6.4%, down from 6.7% in March. This comes after three straight months with rising rates.
• New listings fell 6.4% from March to April, with 3,220 new homes on the market in April, compared to 3,442 in March.
• Homes spent an average of 52 days on the market (DOM) in April, down from 57 days in March. This is 116.7% higher than April 2022 when homes spent an average of 24 days on the market.
• “April data showed a slight uptick in Orlando inventory as home sales slowed, indicating the spring selling season may be starting to balance out,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “Orlando’s median home prices are still climbing as sellers continue to get competitive offers. The good news for buyers is that interest rates in Orlando dropped slightly, giving them extra buying power.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates decreased from 6.7% in March to 6.4% in April. This is 29.7% higher than April 2022 when interest rates were 4.9%.
• Pending sales rose, with 4,220 in March and 4,485 in April.
• 18 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 0.7% of all home sales in April. That represents a 35.7% decrease from March, when 28 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory increased by 1.9% from March to April – from 5,052 homes to 5,148 homes. Inventory in April 2023 was 92.8% higher than in April 2022.
• The supply of homes increased to 1.86 months in April, up from 1.72 months in March. A balanced market is six months of supply.

• The number of new listings decreased from March to April by 6.4% – from 3,442 homes to 3,220 homes.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for March can be found here.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

By: www.orlandorealtors.org

There will be more than just you, your real estate agent, the seller, and their agent involved in the process–unless you are paying cash for a new home! Appraisers, lenders, and inspectors are just a few of the folks you will come across, and it will relieve some stress on your part if you familiarize yourself with who they are and what part they play during your house purchase.
 

• Real Estate Agents
  The agent you choose will be your resource and constant contact throughout the home-buying process. In most transactions, there will be a listing agent representing the sellers, but it is unlikely you will be meeting them.
   
• Mortgage lenders
  To be adequately prepared to begin looking for a new house, you should be pre-approved for a mortgage. Meet with a few different lenders to find the best loan for you; see what the balance recommends for finding the right mortgage.
   

• Appraiser
  The mortgage company wants to be sure that the property is worth what the asking price. The appraiser is usually one of the lender’s choosing. Learn more about what is involved with the appraisal from realtor.com®.
   
• Home Inspector
  You do not want any surprises with structural issues, mold, or insect infestation after you have the keys in hand, so it is in your best interest to hire an inspector to go over your prospective home. Call several inspectors, and ask these important questions.
   
• Homeowners Insurance Agent 
  Most insurance companies offer a discount for having more than one policy with them, and it may be easier to go with your current insurer, so give your agent a call. Do not let that stop you from shopping around for better rates, however.
   
• Real Estate Attorney
  Many states require you to hire an attorney, as they will go over all of the documents, handle funds, and perform the title search, to name a few of their jobs during the home sale process. Find out why it is always a good idea to have a real estate attorney, whether it is the law or optional.
   
• Title Insurer 
  In case there are any questions about the sale of the home being legitimate (no liens, family feuds, etc.), you will need title insurance, and in most cases, the lender or attorney will already have that lined up.
   

• Mortgage Servicer 
  Sometimes, a lender will sell your loan to a mortgage servicer, and you will be notified if that happens. Learn the difference between a lender and a servicer at Investopedia. 

These entities are typically involved in the home-buying process, but not every one. You may come across another professional or service during your experience. Your Realtor® will keep you informed of each step, so no need to be concerned if there is a step along the way you are not familiar with. Every one of them, however, is important for a smooth transaction, protecting you and your largest investment. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Istock

We have all seen the beautiful dream closets: they are filled with drawers, shoe shelves, a vanity, and many other bells and whistles, but all come with a hefty price tag. Organizational gadgets can cost quite a bit, but there are many ways to get organized without spending a lot– just get creative! 

Closets 

• Extend room for lighter clothing items, such as blouses and shirts, by using tension rods placed at the top and bottom of your closet. Add shower curtain hooks to store purses and other odd-shaped items. 
• Family Handyman demonstrates how to use a plant-hanger chain to store multiple shirts and blouses. 

• Mount a short curtain rod on the back of the closet door to hang scarves, and store more by using clip-style curtain rings to hang hats and gloves to keep them handy. 
• This use of tension rods for shoe storage is a great storage hack! 

Bedrooms 

• Create under-the-bed storage by upcycling old dresser drawers by adding adhesive felt or swivel caster wheels to the bottoms. Or get empty suitcases out of the attic and put them to use by storing seasonal clothing under the bed. 

• Turn a bookshelf into a headboard and create space for odd items such as remotes, glasses, morning medicines, and, of course, books. 
• No more rummaging through a mish-mash of cosmetics in a bag! This DIY magnetic makeup board is a great way to keep makeup handy and easy to find. 
• In the kids’ room, mount wire wall planters and place books, plush toys, or arts and crafts items within a little one’s reach. 

In the Kitchen 

• Get the pots and pans out of the cabinets by hanging them! Hang them on a wall or try this DIY ladder pot rack! 
• Keep the infamous junk drawer tidy by using a clean egg carton or small muffin tin; both are perfect for keeping small items organized. 
• Inexpensive dollar store baskets can be filled with cans, spices, and baking items for pull-out storage in the pantry. The baskets keep them neat and easy to access. 
• Place large utensils in a cookie jar on the counter to keep them within reach while cooking. 
• A wall file holder mounted on the inside of a cabinet door is transformed into a container lid holder. 

Begin your organization plans by decluttering, then using what you can afford or DIY to make it happen. Putting your home in order can be pretty, practical, and inexpensive! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: PODS

As exciting as it is to be relocating to a new home or new city, very few actually look forward to the “moving” part! It can be as expensive as you choose, but as a new homeowner, the budget is always on your mind. Check out these ways you can cut costs when it comes time to move: 

• Before you put the first item in a packing box, toss, sell, or give away as much as you can. You may have already decluttered when your current home was put on the market, but give everything one more look before you start packing. 
• Moving.org has an up-to-date list of discounts and coupons offered to senior citizens, various occupations, and membership organizations. 
• Rent a truck, then pack it and move everything yourself. It will be hard work, but get the family involved, have a plan in place, and save hundreds by DIYing your move. 

• Portable storage can be more affordable than hiring a full mover. Reduce stress by having the container delivered a few weeks before the move, as you can pack it over several days, then have it sent to the new house once you are ready to go. 
• If you choose to use a pro, contact at least three reputable moving companies at least a month in advance of the move. Ask if a fixed rate is available, and inquire about possible additional costs: charging more for a weekend move, or extra for wrapping furniture or moving items up and down stairs.  
• Packing in advance when hiring a moving pro that charges by the hour will add to your savings. Have all containers ready in one convenient place, preferably in a garage or the room nearest the front door. 
• Save on packing materials by getting boxes from grocery store produce departments, or ask in online forums for used packing items for free. Some containers are already in your home: suitcases, tote and duffel bags, as well as linens for packing material. 
• Long-distance movers normally charge by weight, so taking items like a weight bench or furniture that you do not have room for in the new house will cost more. Consider selling them before the move. 

Probably the most important thing to remember is to plan at least a month ahead of the move, as it is not unusual to pay too much when in a rush. In one study, moving has been found to be one of the top three stressors in life! Keeping costs down as much as possible during the move can help reduce some of that stress. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

State of the Market

• Overall sales rose 31.1% from February to March. There were 2,936 sales in March, up 696 from the 2,240 sales recorded in February.
• Overall sales in March 2023 were 28.4% lower than March 2022 when there were 4,100 sales.
• Inventory dropped 9.1% – from 5,555 homes in February to 5,052 homes in March.
• Inventory in March 2023 (5,052) was 103.9% higher compared to March 2022, when it was recorded at only 2,478 homes.
• New listings spiked 22.1% from February to March, with 3,442 new homes on the market in March, compared to 2,820 in February.
• The median home price for March was recorded at $365,000, up from $358,000 in February. This is the second month in a row with rising median home prices.
• March’s interest rate was recorded at 6.7%, up from 6.4% in February. This is the fourth straight month with rising rates.
• Homes spent an average of 57 days on the market (DOM) in March, down from 62 days in February. This is 111.1% higher than March 2022 when homes spent an average of 27 days on the market.
• “Spring has sprung in the Central Florida housing market. March data shows increases in new listings, home prices and overall sales, and a reduction in inventory as buyer activity picked up significantly,” said Lisa Hill, Orlando Regional REALTOR® Association President. “The good news for buyers is that they have plenty more options to choose from. There were twice as many homes on the market in March compared to this time last year, and the median home price was only slightly higher than it was a year ago.”

Market Snapshot

• Interest rates increased from 6.4% in February to 6.7% in March. This is 59.4% higher than March 2022 when interest rates were 4.2%.
• Pending sales held steady, with 4,184 in February and 4,220 in March.
• 28 distressed homes (bank-owned properties and short sales) accounted for 1.0% of all home sales in March. That represents a 27.3% increase from February, when 22 distressed homes sold.

Inventory

• Orlando area inventory decreased by 9.1% from February to March – from 5,555 homes to 5,052 homes. Inventory in March 2023 was 103.9% higher than in March 2022.
• The supply of homes decreased to 1.72 months in March, down from 2.48 months in February. A balanced market is six months of supply.
• The number of new listings increased from February to March by 22.1% – from 2,820 homes to 3,442 homes.

ORRA’s full State of the Market Report for March can be found here.

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

By: www.orlandorealtors.org

It is time for favorite summer pastimes: grilling, dining al fresco, or relaxing in a hammock, and many homeowners realize they would better enjoy them if they had a patio or deck. Outdoor spaces can be an extension of our indoor living space, so if you are considering adding either a deck or patio, here are a few tips to get your ideas rolling: 

• For outdoor spaces with level ground, constructing a patio from brick, pavers, stone or poured concrete is usually more cost-effective than building a deck. 
• Soften the hard surface and add privacy by adding landscaping. Plant a perimeter of shrubs or tall grasses or add plants of varying heights in containers–even trees! 
• Because of the availability in many colors and styles, making a final decision on patio surfacing can be overwhelming.  Landscaping Network has done the homework for you, making it easier to choose your materials. 

• Backyards with in-ground pools are better suited for a patio for ease of use and maintaining the pool. Another bonus is that there is less grass to mow! 
• Create a path from the front approach of your home to your backyard courtyard if there is enough room on the side of your home. This will help keep a lot of extra traffic out of the house. 
• Because they can be built on virtually any surface, including slopes and rocky ground, decks are the most popular outdoor space addition. 
• Determine what size you will need as well as other aspects of the deck by how you want to use the space: grilling and/or dining, simple entertaining, or maybe a private space for a hot tub.  
• If you have the know-how, by all means, DIY a new deck. This Old House offers a thorough guide to building a deck, from materials to designs. 

• Two advantages to building a deck: increasing your home’s value, and cooler entertaining. Add screening and a roof for an all-weather space to protect you from the elements and insects. 
• If your local building codes require railings for the new addition, do it in style! Check out these deck railing ideas. 

Once your new outdoor “room” is complete, do not waste the time and expense it took to create it by not utilizing it! Add seating, shade, grill, or firepit, and enjoy summer evenings with family and friends or a good book. An investment in outdoor improvements can be an investment in your well-being! 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Progressive Design Build 

During the house hunt, many potential homeowners take an interest in a home that is being offered For Sale By Owner (FSBO). What is the risk to the buyer? These tips will guide you through the decision-making process: 

• The buyer will need to know how to negotiate the asking price. Since the majority of FSBO sellers do not have the experience to set a good market value on their home, their price will likely be too high. 
• There may be a wait time to see the home. Most homeowners have work and other responsibilities and can only show the property at their convenience. 
• Unless you have real estate experience, you will have some unfamiliar responsibilities: making sure you are paying the right price for the property by performing a comparative market analysis, negotiating credits or repairs with the owner after the inspection, finding the right title insurance company, and deciding how much each party will pay during closing.  

• A seller may try to discourage a house hunter from getting a home inspection, stating that their house is in well-maintained condition. Even brand-new houses should be inspected before changing owners, and the seller is required to have a disclosure statement ready for you to read over. 
• Once you make an offer, the owner may want to wait before accepting in hopes they receive a higher offer from someone else. In a scenario like this, and there is no urgent need for them to move, you may have to walk away from the deal. 
• When you are represented by a buyer’s agent, and there is no disclosure in the property listing that the seller will pay buyer agent fees, ask the seller directly or walk away. Your agent has put a great deal of time and effort into the house hunt and deserves proper compensation. 
• Do your own research on the house, make sure the person you have talked with is the actual owner, and proceed with caution. Some scams involve an empty house, FSBO signs, and criminals who will take your money and run, all while posing as the rightful owner. 

All said and done, not every seller is going to be dishonest, but the best tip for a potential homebuyer is to ask a RealtorⓇ to represent them. A licensed real estate agent knows all of the ins and outs of purchasing a home and will protect your interest as a home buyer, whether you want a home that is being sold by its owner or one being marketed by another agent. Either way, you will need the experience and knowledge that a real estate agent has to offer. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Budgeting the Nest

Energy audits are becoming more common among homeowners as a way to save money on energy costs as well as check their carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy audit is a process to “assess how much energy a home consumes and evaluate measures to make the home more energy efficient.” Is an energy audit something your home needs? This checklist will assist you in answering that question! 

• Musty Odors:  When certain rooms, mainly bathrooms, have a musty smell or form mold quickly in between cleanings, there could be a hidden moisture problem that can cause more serious issues if it remains unchecked. 
• Window Problems:  Can you feel cold or hot air seeping in from the outside when near a window? Is there condensation on the glass, no matter the season? These are obvious signs that your windows are interfering with the energy efficiency in your home. 
• Insulation: Attic insulation requirements have changed over the years. When you are in the attic, can you see most of the joists in between the insulation? That is a sure sign there is not enough insulation to keep it heated and cooled efficiently. 

• Comfort Level:  Are some rooms too cold, some too hot, or just the opposite? While everyone feels differently as a matter of personal preference, your home should not have major differences from room to room when it comes to temperature and comfort level. 
• High Energy Bills:  The different components that use electricity in your home can add up if they are not running properly. If your HVAC is short-cycling, or you have outlets and/or electric cords that get too hot, or light bulbs burn out before they should, these are all problems that will add up on your power bill if not checked. 
• There are two different levels of an energy audit for a house. Level one is a basic walk-through assessment, and level two begins with the basics in level one and includes an energy survey and analysis. 

• Homeowners can perform their own level one audit, and the U.S. Department of Energy offers a list of what you can check for without paying a professional. 
• This Old House offers a video that demonstrates a level two energy audit using different pieces of equipment and processes the pros use to assess your home’s energy use.  

The age of your home does not matter! Newer homes can be as energy inefficient as older homes! Once you have determined that your home could use some help to become a better consumer of energy, use the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) Home Energy Rating member finder for a list of energy audit professionals in your area. Do your homework on each one in your area to find the right one for your needs and budget. 

Access Teri’s one-stop Orlando FL home search website.

Teri Isner is the team leader of Orlando Avenue Top Team and has been a Realtor for over 24 years. Teri has distinguished herself as a leader in the Orlando FL real estate market. Teri assists buyers looking for Orlando FL real estate for sale and aggressively markets Orlando FL homes for sale.

You deserve professional real estate service! You obtain the best results with Teri Isner plus you benefit from her marketing skills, experience and ability to network with other REALTORS®. Your job gets done pleasantly and efficiently.  You are able to make important decisions easily with fast, accurate information from Teri. The Orlando Avenue Top Team handles the details and follow-up that are important to the success of your transaction.

Photo credit: Green Mountain Energy